Mr. Benjamin Stephens, Sr.

Benjamin Stephens, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and community leader, passed away on June 5, 2025, at the age of 77. Born on March 24, 1948, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Benjamin was the eldest of three children born to Frank and Ollie Lee Stephens (deceased). He was a loving brother to the late Irvin Stephens and to his surviving sister, Althea "Alfay" Stephens. At a young age, his family relocated to Washington, D.C., where he would build a life rooted in service, leadership, and dedication to youth and community. Ben attended Kelly Miller Junior High School and Phelps Vocational High School before continuing his education at Delaware State University. During his college years, he proudly became a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., embracing the fraternity's values of scholarship, leadership, citizenship, fidelity, and brotherhood. Throughout his career, Ben held numerous roles marked by excellence and service. Early on, he worked at Jelleff's Boys Club in Georgetown and at Pepco as a meter reader. He went on to spend over a decade at Occidental Life Insurance Company, where he received multiple awards for outstanding performance. Alongside his full-time work, Ben also pursued his passion for basketball by serving as a part-time official with the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO) for seven years, blending his love for the sport with a commitment to fair play and youth development. Ben's deep desire to help others led him to a successful career as a hearing aid specialist. After gaining experience with Beltone, he founded his own business, Hearing Aid Corporation, where he served clients for more than 25 years. Board-certified in his field, Ben was known for his integrity, professionalism, and dedication to improving the lives of those with hearing challenges. A true advocate for youth, Ben devoted much of his life to mentoring young athletes through basketball. He began coaching boys ages 10 and under at Columbia Park Recreation Center, teaching the fundamentals of the game. His coaching journey continued at Archbishop Carroll High School, where he served as assistant varsity and head junior varsity coach for 20 years. He later spent several years in the same role coaching the women's basketball team at Friendly High School before retiring from coaching Ben is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Beryl Stephens; his children, Benjamin Jr. (Latwanas) and Tia; and his cherished grandchildren: Chynna, Kennedy, Chance, Cydni, Kaden, Camryn, and Chloe. He also leaves behind his sister Althea; sisters-in-law Bernarda, Benita and Bridget; brothers-in-law Bernard (Gale) and Byron (Patrice); nephews Richard (Robin), Michael, Ranard (Monique), Shaun (Kristin), Deon (Janeise), Lawrence, and Justin (Neli); nieces Ericka, Lauren, Brooke (OluSola), Brittany, Lynsie, and Blair; along with a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, and countless extended family members and dear friends. Benjamin Stephens will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to family, his impact on generations of young athletes, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his warm and generous heart. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the community he helped shape. Link for Program - https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:844970c6-b0dc-474a-98b8-7be13fbe9237

Mr. Benjamin Stephens, Sr.

March 24, 1948 - June 5, 2025